Temple of Diana.-The temple of Diana at Ephesus, after having risen with increasing splendour from seven repeated misfortunes, was finally burnt by the Goths in their third naval invasion. The arts of Greece, and the wealth of Asia, had conspired to erect that magnificent structure. It was supported by an hundred and twenty-seven marble columns of the Ionic order. They were the gifts of devout monarchs, and each was sixty feet high. The altar was adorned with the masterly sculptures of Praxiteles, who had, perhaps, selected from the favourite legends of the place, the birth of the children of Latona, the concealment of Apollo after the slaughter of the Cyclops, and the clemency of Bacchus to the vanquished Amazons. Yet the length of the temple of Ephesus was only four hundred and twenty-five feet, about two-thirds of the measure of the church of St. Peter's at Rome. In the other dimensions, it was still more inferior to that sublime production of modern architecture.

In Westminster, (London) the aggregate number of suicides, from the year 1812 to 1816, inclusive, was one hundred and twenty-nine, being an annual average of 25 4-5ths; and, from the year 1816 to 1824 inclusive, one hundred and twentynine, making an average of 20 1-8th a year. The number of men who committed suicide exceeded that of the other sex in the proportion of five to two; and the disposition of juries to assume insanity as the cause of self-destruction, is strikingly illustrated by the circumstance that, out

of the whole number of suicides above

mentioned, there are only five cases in which a verdict of felo de se was returned.

Arctic Expedition.-The New York Albion states, that despatches were on Thursday last received in New York from captain Franklin, by way of Canada, and forwarded to England. It is not known what are the contents of the despatches, or where they were written, but it is supposed that they were forwarded from the shore of the Great Bear Lake, in 65° N. 129° W. where captain Franklin was expected to take up his winter quarters. The last previous accounts from him were dated on the Asthabasco Lake, on the 25th of July last, when it was his intention to leave the Great Bear Lake in the spring of 1826, for Mackenzie's River, and the Polar Sea.

The celebrated Orientalist, Professor Vater, died at Halle, on the 16th of March.

Among his esteemed works are the continuation of Adelung's Mithridates, a He. brew Grammar, a Russian Grammar, Table's Ecclesiastical History, &c.

In July last, the Pollux, Dutch sloop of war, captain Eeg, discovered a new and well peopled island in the Pacific, to which the name of Nederlandich Island down at 7° 10′ S. and 177° 33′ 16′′ E. was given. Its latitude and longitude laid from Greenwich. The natives were athletick and fierce, great thieves, and from showing no symptoms of fear when mus kets were discharged, evidently unac quainted with fire-arms.

Preservation of Lemon or Lime Juice.Lemon or lime juice, according to the experiments of Capt Bagnold, may be preserved without the addition of rum, spirit, or any other substance, by the process, well known and practised, for the preserving of green gooseberries and other fruits for domestic purposes. Lime juice was expressed from the fruit in Jamaica, in September 1823, strained, put into quart bottles and carefully corked; these being put into a pan of cold water, they were retained at that point for half were gradually raised to the boiling point;

bottle opened in April 1824, was found to contain the juice in the state of a whitish turbid liquor, with the acidity and much of the flavour of the lime, nor did it appear to have undergone any alteration. The same juice again bottled and heated, was set aside till March 1825, when, upon examination, it was found in good condition, retaining much of the flavour of the recent juice.—Trans. of Soc. Arts.

an hour, and then allowed to cool. A

Alabama Salt.-It is stated in a late Mobile paper, that the "Alabama Salt Manufacturing Company" have commenced the manufacture of this important staple commodity. The works of this company were nearly completed, and, it was supposed, would answer the most sanguine expectations of the individuals in

terested. The Alabama salt is white and beautiful, and holds a middle quality between the Liverpool blown and ground salt. Sufficient quantities have been already manufactured to test fully the experiment, and no doubt is entertained but that the enterprise of the company will be crowned with success, and that they I will be able to supply the whole State with this article, at a reasonable price.

Interesting to Farmers.-We have seen

this morning a lamb from a stock, originally of Caraman, in Asia Minor, called the camblet woolled sheep, only three months and a half old, with wool, from three to five inches in length, covering his whole body. We are no judges of sheep and wool, but we are told by those who are, that this breed is well worthy of the attention of farmers.-New York Evening Post.

From the Sag Harbour Corrector.-On heaving-out the ship Thames, now repairing in this port, part of the sword of a fish was found in her keel. We have been particular in gaining all the information we could of this curious fact.

It appears that the fish struck his sword between the main and false keel, forcing the one from the other, upwards of two inches, although secured together by seven eight-inch copper bolts, and not over thirteen inches apart, and very near one, the heads of which were drawn into the false keel, which was of sound oak

12 by 4 inches, which was completely broken in two--the sword left an orifice of nearly three inches in diameter, was much shivered in passing through, and the extreme part broke off and lost.

Boston Schools. By official returns re

cently made, Boston contains 10,236 pupils, of which 7044 are in public and 3392 in private schools. Number of schools 215-annual expense $152,722-of which individuals pay $97,305; and the city $55,417, exclusive of large sums annually expended in the erection and repairs of school-houses.

Connecticut School Fund.-The Report of the School Fund to the Legislature now in session, states that the Funds consist in Bonds, Stock, Lands and Cash. The principal of these is $1,719,434.-The interest due is $116,288. The number of persons between 4 and 16 years old in Connecticut is about 85,000. There are 208 school societies, and 85 cents is the dividend for the schooling of each person. More than 6000 dollars of interest remain on hand.

The expedition with which passengers are conveyed, by steamboats and post coaches, from one end of this continent to the other, is truly astonishing. A gentleman left New-York on the 22d April, and arrived in New Orleans, via Louisville, on the morning of the 8th of May, having been only fifteen days in perform. ing the journey, a distance of 1500 miles. The U. States Mail is 28 days travelling the same distance.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States met, agreeably to appointment, on the 18th of last month, in the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and was opened with a sermon by the Moderator of the last year, the Rev. Dr. Stephen N. Rowan, of New York. The sessions of the Assembly were continued till the 1st instant, late in the evening. Much important business was transacted, as will appear in the minutes, which, as heretofore, we shall publish in detail, as fast as our space will permit. For the present month we give the narrative of the state of religion, and the report of the Board of Directors of the Theological Seminary.

During the sitting of the Assembly, the anniversary of the American Sunday School Union was celebrated

in the First Presbyterian Church. The report which was read, and the speeches delivered on the occasion, were in a high degree interesting. We cannot give the details; but must express the high gratification which we feel, in common with our Christian brethren of various denominations, in perceiving the rapid increase, great extent, and most beneficial influence, of Sabbath school institutions and operations. We confidently believe that these institutions and operations are among the most efficient means, by which the happy period is to be introduced, when the knowledge and the love of God shall cover the earth as the waters do the seas-Missions, Bible societies, Tract societies, and Sabbath schools, seem to be the four great engines, by which, under the Divine influence and blessing, the bulwarks

of the powers of darkness throughout the world are to be demolished, and the triumphs of Immanuel to be spread from the rising to the setting

sun.

NARRATIVE ON THE STATE OF RELIGION.

The General Assembly having received reports on the state of religion from 70 Presbyteries, and from the Churches with which it holds correspondence, presents the following condensed abstract of intelligence, to the churches under its care. Every year brings tidings of the enlargement of our territory, and the increase of our ecclesiastical family. God grant that as our cords lengthen, our stakes may be also strengthened, and the bonds of our union be drawn closer and closer. Harmony in doctrine and discipline generally prevails. Differences of a minor sort exist among us, which may occasionally prevent all that fellowship which exists among the spirits of the just made perfect; but we bless the Great Head of the church, that no department of his kingdom on earth, of so large an extent, appears to live in more harmony and brotherly love. Whatever variety of phrase ology on doctrinal subjects, or discrepancy of views in government and discipline, may be found existing between individuals or sections of our church, we have yet reason to rejoice that the doctrines of the Bible, as echoed by our Confession of Faith, are substantially taught, and the letter as well as spirit of our ecclesiastical standards generally maintained.

In less than 40 years, through the blessing of the Most High we have increased from 1 to 16 synods, and from 6 to 86 Presbyteries-5 having been added to our number during the past year.

To enter into minute details, or even to glance at the intelligence received from every Presbytery, would extend this narrative to an unedifying length. A hasty sketch of the prominent features of the church in the respective synods must suffice.

Beginning at the South, in the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, the state of religion appears on the whole to be favourable. Though a large portion of her territory is yet mournfully destitute of ministers, churches, and even of the Bible-though in 20 counties within the bounds of the Presbytery of Hopewell, only 2 ministers of our denomination can be found-though the Presbytery of South Carolina appeal to the General As

sembly for missionary help, and call for 20 active and zealous ministers, to supply as many organized and waiting congregations-yet we rejoice that a special blessing has been poured out on the means already enjoyed. In the Presbytery of Charleston Union, several congregations have received a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Prayer meetings are multiplying, Sabbath schools are recommended in the Presbytery of Alabama, to all her churches; and what is especially interesting, the coloured population are receiving an increase of religious privileges, and the means used for their spiritual edification have been crowned with a visible blessing. Upwards of 30 auxili. ary Bible Societies have been formed within the bounds of Hopewell Presbytery, during the last winter. The necessity of educating pious youth for the gospel ministry, is extensively felt; a plan of a Literary and Theological Seminary has been formed, and more than 30,000 dollars have already been subscribed to its funds.

From the Synod of North Carolina, nothing of very special interest has been communicated. We hear of good outward attention to the means of grace, but accompanied with much lukewarmness and conformity to the spirit and fashions of the world. That instruction in Bible classes and Sabbath schools is enjoyed extensively by the rising generation-that the walk of many Christians is uncommonly exemplary-that benevolent societies are receiving more liberal patronage than in former years-and that the standards of our church are stated to be steadfastly maintained, are matters of encouragement and consolation.

From the Synod of Virginia, we have heard mingled sounds of joy and lamentation. Three of their congregations have been specially revived, and in several other churches, an unusual attention to divine things has appeared. But on the whole, this part of the vineyard, so often refreshed, seems to languish. Fashionable amusements are seducing professors of religion, and contentions are creeping into some of the churches. No wonder these things should make the friends of Zion mourn! A dearth of spiritual instruction is one ground of their complaint; and measures are in active operation, by the support of the Theological Seminary at Hampden Sydney, to bring forward more labourers into the Lord's vineyard. 25,000 dollars, in addition to former benefactions, have been lately subscribed for the support of that Seminary; and more is now doing for the education of poor and pious youth than ever before. The Bible Society and Domestick Mission

ary Society within the bounds of this Synod, are in a very flourishing state. Yet they mourn the absence of the Comforter; and blessed are they that mourn. Mississippi is the only Presbytery out of 5, within the bounds of the Synod of Tennessee, from which the Assembly have been permitted to hear. From this Presbytery no revival of religion is reported. The land is a scene of spiritual desolation. The inhabitants are rapidly increasing, and the ministers of our denomination are to the population as 12 to 230,000! Loud are the calls of our brethren for help. Shall they call in vain? The enemy is overrunning the land and fortifying himself against any future attack; and double the labour will soon be necessary to conquer and obtain possession, that would now be necessary to take and keep possession of this field. There is no time for delay. New Orleans favours the reception of the gospel. Large congregations assemble there on the Sabbath, and a church for mariners is in contemplation.

The Synod of Kentucky, includes that state, a large part of the state of Indiana, and half the state of Illinois. From this region also the reports are very defec tive. The cause of Christ, however, appears to be advancing. Truth is prevailing over error, and light is dispersing darkness. The scarcity of faithful preach ers is greatly lamented; nearly half the churches being destitute of a stated ministry. Error has still an extensive prevalence, and Christians are not yet united as they ought to be, for the support and spread of the gospel. Great efforts, however, have of late been made for the education of their precious youth; and we rejoice to hear that after many struggles they have at last, at Danville in Kentucky, a literary seminary of their own. Revivals of religion have been witnessed in three congregations of Ebenezer Presbytery, in two of which 50 were added to the church.

From the Synod of Ohio no very good news have reached our ears. Complaints of coldness in professors, fondness for fashionable amusements, the increase of error, and general declension in religion, form the burden of their narrative. "Give us ministers," is the cry of many congregations, and is in fact the cry of all the western country.

The Synod of the Western Reserve réports no general revival of religion. Several congregations, it appears, however, have been specially visited from on high. The congregations in that section of country are generally weak, and though better supplied than many of our Western settlements, are yet deplorably des titute of a stated ministry. In 30 town

ships, within the Presbytery of Portage, there are only 20 churches, and 10 Presbyterian ministers, while there are many propagators of error. Strenuous efforts, however, are making by our brethren for the increase of the ministry and extension of the means of grace. In the midst of this wilderness we are happy to learn that our brethren live in peace and walk in the order of the gospel, that family worship is extensively observed, and Sab bath schools and Bible classes receive increasing attention.

The state of religion in the Synod of Pittsburg is reported, as on the whole, improving. Many churches, however, have none to break to them the bread of life, and "there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." Six churches are stated to have been revived, to one of which were added 60 persons, to another 77. Other congregations are in a favourable state, but in the majority of their churches, great coldness and forgetfulness of their vows are charged upon the children of God. Vice in some places is on the increase. Good attention, in ge neral, is paid to external means; the standards of our church are stated to be

vigilantly maintained, and both ministers and people are active in support of missions, theological seminaries, and in other labours of love.

The loud calls for an increase of mi nisters in the west, the distance from Princeton, and the inconvenience and expense of an attendance at that institution, have induced the assembly to take measures to establish a Theological Se minary west of the mountains. May the gracious smiles of the Great Head of the church attend these measures, and unite the hearts and the prayers of his people in this great and important enterprise. Soon may it be prosperously founded, long may it flourish, and abundant be the blessings it shall receive and communicate. May this school of the prophets nourish many a young Elijah, Elisha, and Samuel, to oppose wickedness in high places. Every member of the church will grant to this contemplated Seminary an interest in his prayers.

Within the bounds of the Synod of Philadelphia, nothing of special impor tance has occurred. In a few instances the spirit of the Lord has been poured out, and considerable additions made to the church. In the Presbytery of Lewes, the churches appear to be rousing, after a long slumber, and an unusual blessing accompanies the means of grace; and throughout the other Presbyteries, a good

attention to outward ordinances is re marked. But the special influences of the Holy Spirit seem to have been with

held from most of the churches in this Synod, during the past year. The mariner's church in Philadelphia, under the labours of the Rev. Joseph Eastburn, is in a flourishing condition.

In the Synod of New Jersey, the Spirit of the Lord, as in former years, has "come down as the rain upon the mown grass, and as showers that water the earth." In the.Presbyteries of Elizabethtown, Newark, and Susquehanna, copious effusions of the Spirit have descended on no less than 17 congregations, while unusual ingatherings of souls have given joy to many others. The revival at Elizabethtown, and in some other places, is still going forward with great power. Not less than 450 persons in Elizabethtown alone, are said, by their attendance at the meetings for Inquiry, to manifest an anxious concern for their salvation. In the other Presbyteries connected with this Synod, though no particular excitement on the subject of religion exists, the state of morals is generally good.

In the Synod of New York, the Lord has been seen by his people, though in less stately and triumphant goings than in some of the synods which are yet to be named. Large additions have been made to some churches, and an unusual awakening exists in a few congregations; but the Synod have to regret that the revivals of former years have not been repeated.

But the brightest manifestation of redeeming power which we are permitted to record, has been made in the Synod of Albany. In the Presbyteries of Oswego, Ogdensburg, and particularly in the Presbytery of Oneida, has the glory of the Lord been revealed, to the joy of his friends, and confusion of his foes. In the still small voice, in the whirlwind, and in the earthquake, souls have been arrested, overwhelmed and shaken by this new creation; and the things, which might be shaken have been overthrown, that the things which cannot be shaken might remain. In consequence of this display of Divine power, the theatre has been deserted, the tavern sanctified; blasphemy has been silenced, and infidelity confounded. The wise have become fools for Christ's sake, the mighty have been brought low, and the Lord exalted. Twenty-five congregations are reported as sharing more or less liberally these heavenly influences. Indeed, we are told, that not a town in the county of Oneida has been wholly passed by in this visitation of reviving love. In this heavenly work, slumbering professors have been roused; distracted churches have united in peace; Universalists, so far from hoping the salvation of all, have trembled for

their own; Deists have forsaken their re. fuges of lies; Papists have sought absolution from the High Priest above, and lit. tle children have filled the temple with Hosannas to the Son of David. The work continues, and long may it continue, till all the dross of error and of sin shall be consumed in the purifying fire of the Holy Ghost.

The Spirit of the Lord has descended also, though in a less copious manner, within the Synod of Geneva, 10 of whose congregations have, during the past year, experienced his extraordinary operations on the heart. In the Presbytery of Geneva, 500 were the last year added to the church, and in the Presbytery of Bath, the churches have been increased by the addition of 200 more. This Synod, also, complains of a dearth of ministers in the southern parts of its bounds; but rejoices on the whole, that the chariot of the Lord is rolling forward.

It remains to notice the Synod of Ge

nessee..

Such is the feeble state of the churches in the Presbytery of Niagara, that but one in all their bounds is able of itself to support the gospel. In the Presbytery of Genessee, there are appearances of revivals in two or three congregations; and in the Presbytery of Ontario, a special blessing has been poured out on one. In the Presbytery of Rochester, an example has been set of Christian activity, which all the church would do well to imitate. The Bible Society have provided 2700 Bibles and Testaments, and determined that every family in the county of Monroe, (which forms the bounds of that Presbytery) shall possess a copy of the word of God. 6000 tracts, entitled "To every Mother in Monroe county," on the duty of praying for her children, have also been distributed. Every town in the county has a minister, either of the Presbyterian or Congregational order. In one of their congregations, a revival has lately added 40 to the church.

From various parts of the country, we have heard, as usual, the lamentations of our brethren, over the ruinous vices of profane swearing, intemperance, and Sabbath breaking. Particularly from the state of New York, have we heard complaints of the breach of the holy Sabbath, by travelling in stages and steam boats, and on the grand canal. And, what was especially grievous, it was stated, that this pernicious example had sometimes been set by ministers of the gospel. Against all these things, the Assembly would lift up its warning voice.

We have thus glanced at the history of the year, from which it evidently appears, that the Lord has not withdrawn from us